A scrambler motorcycle is believed to have started a 120-acre wildfire after it caught fire during one of the hottest days of the year.

Fire crews from Llanfair Caereinion, Llanidloes and Newtown attended the grass fire on Mynydd Clogau, near Adfa, on Saturday, April 20, at 12.13pm.

It took firefighters almost eight hours to extinguish the large wildfire using beaters, knapsacks and a blower that was used to drive back the fire into burnt ground. White smoke could be seen as far as the Kerry Ridgeway, on the Montgomeryshire-Radnorshire border.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service left the incident at 7.54pm. No injuries were reported.

Local farmers bring their livestock to graze on Mynydd Clogau, which is common land, during the warmer months. 

County Times: Local farmers have praised fire crews for doing a "great job" keeping the fire under control on April 20. Photo: Sharon NuttingLocal farmers have praised fire crews for doing a "great job" keeping the fire under control on April 20. Photo: Sharon Nutting

Rob Rayner, North Powys Area Command at Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said a scrambler motorbike that was out riding in the area between Adfa and Bwlch-y-ffridd is believed to be the reason that the "tinder dry" moorland had caught fire.

He says he is “very proud” of the crews' "great work" by tackling a blaze in challenging conditions.

But he is urging locals and visitors to the area to be “very careful” when outdoors to help reduce the risk of grass fires.

Station Manager Steve Richards added: “The window for controlled burning has closed and will not reopen until October 2019. Anyone found burning outside of the controlled burning period, which runs from October to March, will be prosecuted and could affect their single farm payments from the Welsh Government.”

Video: Llanfair Caereinion Fire Station.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue have produced simple guidelines, regardless of weather conditions, to help reduce the risk of grass fires:

Always extinguish camp fire or barbecues

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Never leave camp fires or barbecues unattended and extinguish them properly after you have finished using them.

Take your rubbish home

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Clear away bottles, glasses and any broken glass to avoid them magnifying the sun and starting a fire.

Stub it out safely

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Dispose of smoking materials such as cigarettes safely.

Safety first

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Explain to children the dangers of playing with and lighting fires.